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VSRC retreat features keynote by NEI Director Michael Chiang

Vision Science Research Center members gather in a modern lecture space during the VSRC retreat, where attendees watch a keynote presentation delivered virtually. The session features slides projected on a large screen, with researchers seated at long tables, engaging in discussion and learning about current topics in vision science and research priorities.
Attendees participate in the Vision Science Research Center retreat, viewing a keynote presentation delivered by National Eye Institute Director Michael Chiang, MD, during a session focused on vision research and scientific collaboration.

by Rachel Beatty and Satina Richardson

The Vision Science Research Center (VSRC) hosted a retreat that featured Michael Chiang, MD, director of the National Eye Institute, as the keynote speaker. The National Eye Institute is part of the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s leading supporter of vision research.

“Having Dr. Michael Chiang speak to VSRC members, who represent every area of UAB’s vision science community, will further energize our researchers and may offer valuable insight into the priorities of the National Institutes of Health and the National Eye Institute,” said Kelly Nichols, OD, MPH, PhD, Dean of the UAB School of Optometry. “Our scientists work diligently every day to produce discoveries that improve patient care, and this virtual talk by Director Chiang and the retreat as a whole will certainly have a positive impact on their work.”

Chiang concluded his presentation with a question-and-answer session that allowed attendees to discuss matters of importance to them and their research with him directly.

"This was an outstanding opportunity to meet and interact with Dr. Chiang and to showcase all of the great vision science that is happening at UAB,” said Steven Pittler, PhD, Director of the Vision Science Research Center.

Brian Samuels, MD, PhD, The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama Endowed Chair of the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, added, "Opportunities for dialogue with national leaders like Dr. Chiang strengthen our collaborations, elevate our research community, and reinforce UAB’s position as a leader in ophthalmic innovation.”

In addition to the keynote address, members delivered 3-minute presentations about their research. Postdoctoral students alongside current vision science PhD candidates presented their scientific posters, which were judged by VSRC members.

Poster winners were:

  1. Gillian Huskin (tied 1st) - Dr. Yuchen Wang’s lab (Optometry)
  2. Fadeela Sheini (tied 1st) - Dr. Maria Grant’s lab (Ophthalmology)
  3. Christopher R. Starr (second) - Dr. Tylor Lewis’s lab (Ophthalmology)
The VSRC is a multidisciplinary research center that includes faculty from 20 UAB departments, seven UAB schools, and the Birmingham VA. The center fosters collaborative research and serves the university, state, and region through education and outreach. Planning and execution of the retreat were a collective effort among VSRC members, and the event is held biennially. Pittler; Maria Grant, MD; Safal Khanal, OD, PhD; Yuchen Wang, PhD; and Holly Chen, PhD led planning for the occasion.